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zero-waste-ish summer bathroom

6/21/2017

4 Comments

 
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This morning, while getting ready, I realized that I'm not really using a lot of the things in my bathroom drawer during the summer months. It reminded me of my closet and the winter pieces that get tucked away for a while. I decided to think through what I'm really using right now along with my preferences.

​I realize that this type of post is totally subjective...each of us has our own needs + preferences and different skin + hair types. As with most things that show up in this space, I just write about what we do...with a thought toward the possibility that it may inspire someone else to take a closer look at their own practices. As individuals, we often feel like we have to do something because that is the way it is done. I think it's important to challenge those ideas + to think through whether we want to be a part of the have-to's...or whether we want to be part of the alternative. Anyway...

Here's what I'm doing right now:

Shower ::
-bulk soap
-bulk shampoo
-moisturizing/detangling conditioner
-preserve razor

Prep for the day ::
-comb hair
-deodorant (that weirdly shaped white thing up there)  :)
-brush teeth with bamboo toothbrush + Tom's toothpaste
-let hair air dry
-put it up into topknot with hairbands x2 + bobby pins x2
​-tiny bit of hairspray
-lip balm

Evening ::
-wash face with bulk soap
-brush teeth with bamboo toothbrush + Tom's

Periodically ::
-clip nails
-cut my own hair

Summer changes ::
-Finally figured out the deodorant thing + am using the crystal deodorant year round! Up until now, I've used the crystal on all except the hottest days. I think the breakthrough smell I experienced was probably due to the use of antiperspirant the preceding day(s). Now as long as I put the crystal on before I start to sweat and don't deviate, it works. Trust...that's the key!  :) Mine is still this one...I've had it for years. Next time I'll buy one that doesn't come in a plastic container.
-I'm not wearing make-up because my morning walk gives me a tiny bit of color + I like a fresh face best. 
-Heat + humidity + all the water I drink allows my own oils to negate the need for moisturizer during the summer months.

I know that there are still some not quite zero-waste items involved here. I've addressed these before, but again...
-Contitioner- I've tried the bulk ones + they do not work for my fine/thin hair. The container of mine is made from recycled plastic. I try to make this last + recycle the container.
-Preserve razor- The handle is made from recycled plastic + I can recycle it when it dies. I only replace the head about once every 12-18 months.
-Tom's toothpaste- We've had a few dental issues + I'm not totally confident about letting go of toothpaste. Those toothpaste tubes plague my conscience though...so I'm going to get the nerve to ask my very picky hygienist for her thoughts on baking soda only at my next appointment...promise. 
-Hairspray- I try to use as little as possible so it lasts + lasts...and then I recycle the bottle. I tried the lemon juice recipe, but it did not work for me.

Now I'm off to clean that drawer + put back only the summer necessities. It feels lighter.

Love,
​Jane
4 Comments
Rebekah Jaunty link
6/21/2017 01:20:11 pm

It's always fun to get permission to virtually-snoop through someone's bathroom.

I've been making my own toothpaste for months, but I AM nervous about it. Teeth are so important and so expensive, it's scary. My dental floss is not-at-all zero waste, but my teeth shred nearly every brand out there. We have a WaterPik too, but I'm not convinced it truly replaces flossing.

Have you tried the sugar water hairspray recipe? I'm guessing you've tried diluted ACV as conditioner.

Reply
Jane link
6/21/2017 04:33:23 pm

I have made my own toothpaste too, but have also had a few issues of late. I'm not blaming homemade toothpaste, but I don't have full faith in it either. We have enough floss to last us a while, but I'm considering Radius Silk Floss (though it comes in a plastic container inside the paper box) and/or a WaterPik. Zero-wasters seem to like Dental Lace, but it's not necessarily compostable, currently covered in a petroleum product, and not available to me locally.

I think the problem with homemade hairspray for me is that my hair is very fine and thin and any moisture just flattens it. The one I use comes out in such a fine mist + dries so quickly that it just works. Vinegar doesn't address the tangly mass that my hair becomes in the shower...making it very time consuming + almost impossible to comb out. I know that others will decide that it is worth it to choose waste-free in every case, but I guess I have a bit of vanity left. :)

Reply
Priscilla link
6/23/2017 05:35:46 am

Oh the tangled hair thing! I used to have long, thick, curly hair, so I totally get it. My hair took forever to detangle after a shower. I chopped it off and love my short hair now. I realize a lot of women aren't comfortable in short hair, but if you ever get tired of your tangles, short hair is fun!

Reply
Jane link
6/23/2017 10:05:34 am

So true! I have had very short hair a few times + loved it! Right now, I like my shoulder length hair on me...and the positive trade off is that I don't have to pay for haircuts every 6-8 weeks. :)

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